Does anyone know about the Passport requirements for entering Australia. I am visting this coming Christmas/New Year and my passport runs out in February next year. I know some countries require your passport to be valid for 6 months after you leave a country, does this apply to Australia as well?

The only information I can find is that I need a Australian ETA, other then that it says all I need is a valid passport.

I contacted the Department of Immigration, Multicultural Affairs and Indigenous Affairs (*grumble*) - and the passport office informed me that unlike other countries which require 6 months validity on a foreign passport, Australia has no such requirement. However, they advised in the strongest possible terms that you enquire with the airline you're flying with, and also with Australia House, London on 09065 508 900 or by emailing London.cc@dfat.gov.au

"You can renew a passport up to nine months before it runs out. If you do this we will put a credit on your new passport for the unused time (in whole months) that was left on your old passport the day the new one was issued."

Do Americans still need a Visa to visit Australia? I recall I had to get one back for my visit in 1989, as well as a prepaid airline ticket with an outbound flight and enough money and credit cards to pay for my stay.

Damn good system if you ask me. Helps keep the undesirables out (assuming they haven't already got in, eh QFF ??!!! )

Meanwhile, from Galileo:

TIETAS C. ABOUT ETAS/3
01: ---------------------- ABOUT ETAS ------------------------
02: ALL TRAVELLERS, OTHER THAN AUSTRALIAN ANDNEW ZEALAND
03: CITIZENS, REQUIRE AUTHORITY TO TRAVEL TOAND ENTER
04: AUSTRALIA. THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT HAS SIMPLIFIED THE
05: PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING THAT AUTHORITY BY DEVELOPING THE
06: ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORITY SYSTEM (ETAS)